TNC NL Winter25-final - Flipbook - Page 5
Common Questions about the Kennebec
How long will this process take?
Will water levels change?
Changes at any dam will not begin for at least the next
few years, and in most cases longer. During that time,
the dams will continue to operate safely, supply power
to the grid and provide tax revenue to communities.
More than 900 million gallons of water
昀氀ows past Skowhegan and Waterville each
day. This won’t change after dam removal.
The best way to picture how the Kennebec
might look after a dam removal is to look
directly downstream from the dam, where
the river is already free-昀氀owing.
What about Sappi’s Somerset Mill?
TNC and our partners are 100% committed to
developing a solution with Sappi that fully addresses
the Somerset Mill’s long-term water system needs.
Taking the time to work with Sappi to 昀椀nd the right
solution and support its design and implementation is
one of our top priorities.
What about 昀氀ooding?
“Run-of-river” dams like these can actually worsen
昀氀ooding during big storms. Restoring the river’s natural
昀氀ow can reduce 昀氀ood risks for nearby communities.
Are there toxins in the sediment?
No. Extensive surveys of each
impoundment over the past year found
very little accumulated sediment and no
elevated levels of toxicity. These dams
昀氀ood regularly, 昀氀ushing sediment and
preventing buildup.
Maine Roots | Winter 2025 | 5
